lsaguy Loc: Udall, KS, USA

A Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with EF-S 18-55 lens has come up on Craigslist that I can afford right now. At $130 is this a good buy? The seller also has a Canon Ultrasonic 75-300mm Image Stabilizer Lens for sale, too, for $100. Same question. I realize this is an old system and at only 8M pixel count is less than my Fuji bridge camera. It does get me into the DSLR world, would allow me to get into astrophotography and do better illustrations for the articles I write. All constructive comments welcome.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

It seems to be a good buy on the surface if in good working condition but have you seen the camera and lenses? Can you take a card with you to take some pictures while you are there just to make sure it works properly? My other suggestion would be to check with some of the known camera sources, KEH, BH, or Adorama and find out what they would charge for the same camera and lenses. I am not into Canon so don't know how old the camera/lenses are but the principal would be the same. It may be a great deal but maybe not until you look into it further.

Good luck with it,

Dennis

wtompkins Loc: Northern Michigan

That actually sounds like a very good deal; find out the shutter count.
The XT was my previous version before the T3i and it took great photos, I just couldn't see the small preview screen any longer. I sold my XT body alone for $250. It has a brand new shutter in it though.
Yes, try to go take some pics with it. You will need a CF card, not an SD card.
The lens seems to be a good deal, too.

leftyD500 Loc: Ocala, Florida

"caveat emptor" many deals on Craig's List are deals only for the seller! I would be VERY cautious in buying something sight unseen from Craig's List, but that is just me! Remember: "If it sounds too good to be true, chances are it is!"

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

It sounds good on the face of it but here's an opinion I happen to believe in.

Buying used gear is always a risk. Unless you can handle and shoot with - then look the results, how do you know anything about this gear? The owner can say anything he/she wants about it but what's the brass tax?

So many questions. Has the gear be roughed or beaten up?
Has the camera and related equipment always been stored in a case when not in use? (this is a stickler just for me) was the battery always pulled when the camera was stored? Has it been wet? Exposed to lots of dust and dirt? How often did the current owner change lenses while outdoors in the dust?

Lots of questions that, to me, require lots of answers. Because i could never get all these questions answered to my satisfaction I never buy used - only brand new.

Good luck

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

I have used equipment. I look on CL as well as any other place that I can. Lots of great buys on gently used equipment. Pricing sounds good - but you have identified the main problem, 8 mp. I would look for the following, T2i or new with 20 mp. The glass i would want would be 18-135, 18-85, 17-85, 70-300 non L, 50 mm 1.8 or 1.4.

Good lucky, good shopping & good shooting. J. R.

lsaguy Loc: Udall, KS, USA

I certainly appreciate all the advice, but it appears to be moot. The seller never contacted me after telling me that the equipment was still for sale. So, I'll keep shopping, KEH and Adorama have some reasonably priced used DSLR's and they come with a guarantee.

Rick

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

try calling KEH ,tell them what you want and see if they can hook you up with a set-up in your price range.

Ranwell

I would save just a little bit more money and buy a Canon 60d with an 18-135 is lens. The 60 D is an 18 megapixel camera. The 60 d will automatically set and change your ISO settings in program mode and automatic mode. You will get good photographs with little or no effort. The 18-135 is zoom lens will be almost all you need for near and far picturs until you learn more about photagraphy. The 60D also has almost all of the Pro features that the mire expensive Pro cameras have, so, you can experiment with these features and learn more about pro photigraphy. You can get a really good 60D camera and 18-135 lens on e-bay (but be very careful) and ypu can check B&H an Ke camera shops as well. Usually for about $400. If you are really wanting to get a very good but inexpensive camera, a Canon 60D is my choice.